arXiv subjects

S. Pustelny

Publications and source records attributed to S. Pustelny.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2024

Rotating polarization magnetometry

Precise magnetometry is vital in numerous scientific and technological applications. At the forefront of sensitivity, optical atomic magnetometry, particularly techniques utilizing nonlinear magneto-optical rotation (NMOR), enables ultraprecise measurements across a broad field range. Despite their potential, these techniques reportedly lose sensitivity at higher magnetic fields, which is attributed to the alignment-to-orientation conversion (AOC) process. In our study, we utilize light with continuously rotating linear polarization to avoid AOC, producing robust optical signals and achieving high magnetometric sensitivity over a dynamic range nearly three times greater than Earth's magnetic field. We demonstrate that employing rotating polarization surpasses other NMOR techniques that use modulated light. Our findings also indicate that the previously observed signal deterioration is not due to AOC, suggesting an alternative cause for this decline.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2024

A Multi-Messenger Search for Exotic Field Emission with a Global Magnetometer Network

Quantum sensor networks in combination with traditional astronomical observations are emerging as a novel modality for multi-messenger astronomy. Here we develop a generic analysis framework that uses a data-driven approach to model the sensitivity of a quantum sensor network to astrophysical signals as a consequence of beyond-the-Standard Model (BSM) physics. The analysis method evaluates correlations between sensors to search for BSM signals coincident with astrophysical triggers such as black hole mergers, supernovae, or fast radio bursts. Complementary to astroparticle approaches that search for particlelike signals (e.g. WIMPs), quantum sensors are sensitive to wavelike signals from exotic quantum fields. This analysis method can be applied to networks of different types of quantum sensors, such as atomic clocks, matter-wave interferometers, and nuclear clocks, which can probe many types of interactions between BSM fields and standard model particles. We use this analysis method to carry out the first direct search utilizing a terrestrial network of precision quantum sensors for BSM fields emitted during a black hole merger. Specifically we use the Global Network of Optical Magnetometers for Exotic physics (GNOME) to perform a search for exotic low-mass field (ELF) bursts generated in coincidence with a gravitational wave signal from a binary black hole merger (GW200311 115853) detected by LIGO/Virgo on the 11th of March 2020. The associated gravitational wave heralds the arrival of the ELF burst that interacts with the spins of fermions in the magnetometers. This enables GNOME to serve as a tool for multi-messenger astronomy. Our search found no significant events, and consequently we place the first lab-based limits on combinations of ELF production and coupling parameters.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2023

What can a GNOME do? Search targets for the Global Network of Optical Magnetometers for Exotic physics searches

Numerous observations suggest that there exist undiscovered beyond-the-Standard-Model particles and fields. Because of their unknown nature, these exotic particles and fields could interact with Standard Model particles in many different ways and assume a variety of possible configurations. Here we present an overview of the Global Network of Optical Magnetometers for Exotic physics searches (GNOME), our ongoing experimental program designed to test a wide range of exotic physics scenarios. The GNOME experiment utilizes a worldwide network of shielded atomic magnetometers (and, more recently, comagnetometers) to search for spatially and temporally correlated signals due to torques on atomic spins from exotic fields of astrophysical origin. We survey the temporal characteristics of a variety of possible signals currently under investigation such as those from topological defect dark matter (axion-like particle domain walls), axion-like particle stars, solitons of complex-valued scalar fields (Q-balls), stochastic fluctuations of bosonic dark matter fields, a solar axion-like particle halo, and bursts of ultralight bosonic fields produced by cataclysmic astrophysical events such as binary black hole mergers.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2021

Optical excitation of ultra-relativistic partially stripped ions

The Gamma Factory (GF) initiative aims at the construction of a unique experimental tool exploiting resonant interaction of light with ultra-relativistic partially stripped ions (PSI) stored in circular accelerators at CERN. Resonant excitation of high-energy electronic transitions in the ions is achieved through Doppler-boosting (by twice the Lorentz factor; from hundred to several thousand times) of light energy. In order to efficiently excite the ions, and hence generate intense beams of scattered/fluorescent photons, a detailed knowledge of the ions' electronic energy structure and the dynamics of optical excitation is required. Spectroscopic properties of PSI selected for the GF operation, as well as their optical excitation schemes, are investigated. Two regimes of the ion--light interaction are identified, leading to different dynamics of the excitation. The efficiency of the ion--light interaction, as well as the number of photons emitted from a single ion bunch, are estimated, both analytically and numerically, for three ions considered for the GF, i.e.~Li-like ${}^{208}_{\phantom{0}82}$Pb$^{79+}$, Li-like ${}^{40}_{20}$Ca$^{17+}$, and H-like ${}^{208}_{\phantom{0}82}$Pb$^{81+}$.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2019

Gamma Factory at CERN -- novel research tools made of light

We discuss the possibility of creating novel research tools by producing and storing highly relativistic beams of highly ionised atoms in the CERN accelerator complex, and by exciting their atomic degrees of freedom with lasers to produce high-energy photon beams. Intensity of such photon beams would be by several orders of magnitude higher than offered by the presently operating light sources, in the particularly interesting gamma-ray energy domain of 0.1-400 MeV. In this energy range, the high-intensity photon beams can be used to produce secondary beams of polarised electrons, polarised positrons, polarised muons, neutrinos, neutrons and radioactive ions. New research opportunities in a wide domain of fundamental and applied physics can be opened by the Gamma Factory scientific programme based on the above primary and secondary beams.

physics.acc-ph↗

arXiv2018

System for control of polarization state of light and generation of light with continuously rotating linear polarization

We present a technique for generating light in an arbitrary polarization state. The technique is based on interference of two orthogonally polarized light beams, whose amplitudes and phases are controlled with a Mach-Zehnder inteferometer with acousto-optic modulators (AOMs) placed in each arm. We demonstrate that via control over amplitudes, phases, and frequencies of acoustic waves driving the AOMs, any polarization state can be synthesized. In particular, we demonstrate generation of linearly polarized light, whose polarization plane continuously rotates at a rate from 1~kHz to 1~MHz. Such light finds applications in science (e.g., investigations of Bloch-Siegert effect) and technology (optically-pumped magnetometers).

physics.app-ph↗

arXiv2018

Characterization of the Global Network of Optical Magnetometers to search for Exotic Physics (GNOME)

The Global Network of Optical Magnetometers to search for Exotic physics (GNOME) is a network of geographically separated, time-synchronized, optically pumped atomic magnetometers that is being used to search for correlated transient signals heralding exotic physics. The GNOME is sensitive to nuclear- and electron-spin couplings to exotic fields from astrophysical sources such as compact dark-matter objects (for example, axion stars and domain walls). Properties of the GNOME sensors such as sensitivity, bandwidth, and noise characteristics are studied in the present work, and features of the network's operation (e.g., data acquisition, format, storage, and diagnostics) are described. Characterization of the GNOME is a key prerequisite to searches for and identification of exotic physics signatures.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2017

Transient dynamics of nonlinear magneto-optical rotation

We analyze nonlinear magneto-optical rotation (NMOR) in rubidium vapor subjected to continuously-scanned magnetic field. By varying magnetic-field sweep rate, a transition from traditionally-observed dispersive-like NMOR signals (low sweep rate) to oscillating signals (higher sweep rates) is demonstrated. The transient oscillatory behavior is studied versus light and magnetic-field parameters, revealing a strong dependence of the signals on magnetic-sweep rate and light intensity. The experimental results are supported with density-matrix calculations, which enable quantitative analysis of the effect. Fitting of the signals simulated versus different parameters with a theoretically-motivated curve reveals presence of oscillatory and static components in the signals. The components depend differently on the system parameters, which suggests their distinct nature. The investigations provide insight into dynamics of ground-state coherence generation and enable application of NMOR in detection of transient spin couplings.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2017

Searching for axion stars and Q-balls with a terrestrial magnetometer network

Light (pseudo-)scalar fields are promising candidates to be the dark matter in the Universe. Under certain initial conditions in the early Universe and/or with certain types of self-interactions, they can form compact dark-matter objects such as axion stars or Q-balls. Direct encounters with such objects can be searched for by using a global network of atomic magnetometers. It is shown that for a range of masses and radii not ruled out by existing observations, the terrestrial encounter rate with axion stars or Q-balls can be sufficiently high (at least once per year) for a detection. Furthermore, it is shown that a global network of atomic magnetometers is sufficiently sensitive to pseudoscalar couplings to atomic spins so that a transit through an axion star or Q-ball could be detected over a broad range of unexplored parameter space.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2016

Searches for Exotic Transient Signals with a Global Network of Optical Magnetometers for Exotic Physics

In this letter, we describe a novel scheme for searching for physics beyond the Standard Model. The idea is based on correlation of time-synchronized readouts of distant ($\gtrsim$100~km) optical magnetometers. Such an approach limits hard-to-identify local transient noise, providing the system with unique capabilities of identification of global transient events. Careful analysis of the signal can reveal the nature of the events (e.g., its nonmagnetic origin), which opens avenues for new class of exotic-physics searches (searches for global transient exotic spin couplings) and tests of yet unverified theoretical models.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2016

Dichroic atomic vapor laser lock with multi-gigahertz stabilization range

A dichroic atomic vapor laser lock (DAVLL) system exploiting buffer-gas-filled millimeter-scale vapor cells is presented. This system offers similar stability as achievable with conventional DAVLL system using bulk vapor cells, but has several important advantages. In addition to its compactness, it may provide continuous stabilization in a multi-gigahertz range around the optical transition. This range may be controlled either by changing the temperature of the vapor or by application of a buffer gas under an appropriate pressure. In particular, we experimentally demonstrate the ability of the system to lock the laser frequency between two hyperfine components of the $^{85}$Rb ground state or as far as 16 GHz away from the closest optical transition.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2016

Magnetic shielding and exotic spin-dependent interactions

Experiments searching for exotic spin-dependent interactions typically employ magnetic shielding between the source of the exotic field and the interrogated spins. We explore the question of what effect magnetic shielding has on detectable signals induced by exotic fields. Our general conclusion is that for common experimental geometries and conditions, magnetic shields should not significantly reduce sensitivity to exotic spin-dependent interactions, especially when the technique of comagnetometry is used. However, exotic fields that couple to electron spin can induce magnetic fields in the interior of shields made of a soft ferro- or ferrimagnetic material. This induced magnetic field must be taken into account in the interpretation of experiments searching for new spin-dependent interactions and raises the possibility of using a flux concentrator inside magnetic shields to amplify exotic spin-dependent signals.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2015

Nonlinear Magneto-Optical Rotation in Rubidium Vapor Excited with Blue Light

We present experimental and numerical studies of nonlinear magneto-optical rotation (NMOR) in rubidium vapor excited with resonant light tuned to the $5^2\!S_{1/2}\rightarrow 6^2\!P_{1/2}$ absorption line (421~nm). Contrary to the experiments performed to date on the strong $D_1$ or $D_2$ lines, in this case, the spontaneous decay of the excited state $6^2\!P_{1/2}$ may occur via multiple intermediate states, affecting the dynamics, magnitude and other characteristics of NMOR. Comparing the experimental results with the results of modelling based on Auzinsh et al., Phys. Rev. A 80, 1 (2009), we demonstrate that despite the complexity of the structure, NMOR can be adequately described with a model, where only a single excited-state relaxation rate is used.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2013

Global Network of Optical Magnetometers for Exotic (GNOME): Physics Novel scheme for exotic physics searches

A novel experimental scheme enabling investigation of transient exotic spin couplings is discussed. The scheme is based on synchronous measurements of optical-magnetometer signals of several devices operating in magnetically shielded environments in distant locations ($\gtrsim100$ km). Although signatures of such exotic couplings may be present in the signal from a single magnetometer, it would be challenging to distinguish them from noise. By analyzing the correlation between signals from multiple, geographically separated magnetometers, it is not only possible to identify the exotic transient but also to investigate its nature. The ability of the network to probe presently unconstrained physics beyond the Standard Model is examined by considering the spin coupling to stable topological defects (e.g., domain walls) of axion-like fields. In the spirit of this research, a brief ($\sim 2$ hours) demonstration experiment involving two magnetometers located in Krak\'ow and Berkeley ($\sim 9000$ km separation) is presented and discussion of the data-analysis approaches that may allow for the transient signal identification is provided. The prospects of the network are outlined in the last part of the paper.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2012

How do you know if you ran through a wall?

Stable topological defects of light (pseudo)scalar fields can contribute to the Universe's dark energy and dark matter. Currently the combination of gravitational and cosmological constraints provides the best limits on such a possibility. We take an example of domain walls generated by an axion-like field with a coupling to the spins of standard-model particles, and show that if the galactic environment contains a network of such walls, terrestrial experiments aimed at detection of wall-crossing events are realistic. In particular, a geographically separated but time-synchronized network of sensitive atomic magnetometers can detect a wall crossing and probe a range of model parameters currently unconstrained by astrophysical observations and gravitational experiments.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2011

All-optical atomic magnetometers based on nonlinear magneto-optical rotation with amplitude modulated light

We demonstrate a magnetometric technique based on nonlinear magneto-optical rotation using amplitude modulated light. The magnetometers can be operated in either open-loop (typical nonlinear magneto-optical rotation with amplitude-modulated light) or closed-loop (self-oscillating) modes. The latter mode is particularly well suited for conditions where the magnetic field is changing by large amounts over a relatively short timescale.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2010

Tailoring quantum superpositions with linearly polarized amplitude-modulated light

Amplitude-modulated nonlinear magneto-optical rotation is a powerful technique that offers a possibility of controllable generation of given quantum states. In this paper, we demonstrate creation and detection of specific ground-state magnetic-sublevel superpositions in $^{87}$Rb. By appropriate tuning of the modulation frequency and magnetic-field induction the efficiency of a given coherence generation is controlled. The processes are analyzed versus different experimental parameters.S

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2009

Electromagnetically Induced Transparency versus Nonlinear Faraday Effect. Coherent Control of the Light Beam Polarization

We report on experimental and theoretical study of the nonlinear Faraday effect under conditions of electromagnetically induced transparency at the 5$S_{1/2} \to 5P_{3/2} \to 5D_{5/2}$ two-photon transition in rubidium vapors. These transitions realize the inverted Y model which combines the $Λ$ and ladder systems. Strong nonlinearity allowing for large rotation angles of a probe beam tuned to the $S\to P$ transition was obtained by creation of quantum superpositions of magnetic sublevels (Zeeman coherences) in the rubidium ground state ($Λ$ scheme). Additionally, electromagnetically induced transparency was accomplished in a ladder scheme by acting with an additional strong coupling laser on the $P\to D$ transition. Under conditions of a two-photon resonance the rotation was significantly reduced, which is interpreted as a competition between the two processes. The effect was observed in sub-Gauss magnetic fields and could be used for efficient coherent control of generation of the ground-state coherences, e.g. for controlling the polarization state of the probe light.

physics.optics↗